Windows & Doors
External window and door frames should be washed with clean water. If the product is exposed to salt air or industrial pollutants it should be washed at least every three (3) months. In rural areas where normally there is very little contaminated moisture, you may not need to clean your aluminium joinery more than every six (6) months. In particularly harsh locations such as beachfronts, severe marine environments or areas of high industrial pollution, cleaning should occur monthly. Aluminium requires only minimal maintenance but, like your motor car, the finish may deteriorate if dirt collects on the surface and is allowed to remain unwashed over a period of time. This is because dirt absorbs moisture present in the atmosphere.
Aluminium
Use the mildest treatment you can to produce satisfactory results. First with warm water and soap or detergent; or for anodised material try solvent cleaners (e.g. kerosene, turpentine, white spirit) or non- etching chemical cleaners or a wax-based polish cleaner. Please note, solvent based cleaners should never be used on powder coated surfaces or hardware. Keep sills free from dirt and grit and ensure that the weep slots
in the window and door tracks are clear to allow maximum drainage. NAME PLATES + IDENTIFICATION PLATES Please leave name plates, part numbers and rating labels on products for future reference. A permanent performance label is a requirement of the NCC in all states. If your windows are fitted with a BAL40 or SAFE4KIDS™ compliance label, it is critical you follow the instructions on these labels for window repairing and maintenance.
Cleaning Glass
To clean clear float or toughened glass simply wipe over the surface with a few drops of methylated spirits on a damp cloth and then polish the surface dry with a lint-free cloth. Ensure that all cleaning cloths are free of any abrasive substances. Avoid causing extreme temperature changes as this may lead to thermal fracture of the glass (do not direct hot or cold water onto glass). For coated, laminated or tinted glass such as speciality or Low-E glass refer to the glass manufacturer’s website for specific cleaning instructions.
FlowTHRU Drains
If your product is installed with a FlowTHRU™ drain, we recommend removing the grate and clearing the channel and outlet every three (3) months. Stainless Steel should be washed down
every six (6) months and every three (3) months in marine and industrial environments.
Hardware
Regular maintenance is required for all hardware, even stainless steel, as they are moving parts. In most environments maintenance is recommended every six (6) months and
every three (3) months in marine and industrial environments. Hangers, pivots and brackets should be given a light spray of a corrosion preventative (such as lanolin spray or dry silicone) followed by a light wipe with a dry cloth to remove excess. Exposed surfaces should first be wiped down with warm soapy water and a soft rag, and then rinsed clean before applying preventative. Visible surfaces of hinges should be wiped down with warm soapy water on a soft rag and then rinsed off by wiping with a clean damp rag. Application of a thin film of light machine oil or one of the previously mentioned corrosion preventative sprays will help maintain the original lustre of the metal finish. Ensure not to get these compounds on any timber work or finished extrusions as staining may occur. Drop bolts should be sprayed with a lubricant such as those mentioned previously at the sliding pin inside the bolt and to the lock cylinder. A tube attached to the nozzle will help to concentrate the spray where you want it to go. Stainless steel hardware also needs regular cleaning. It is resistant to rust but rust spots
can sometimes occur. These can be removed with a mildly abrasive cleaner and rinsed with fresh water. In cases of heavy corrosion a Scotch-Brite hand pad can be used. Stainless steel hardware should not be exposed to bleach products, hydrochloric acid solutions (sometimes used for tile and concrete cleaning), cement dust, soap concentrates and water with high iron content, such as bore water. We recommend regular treatment with 3M Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish to further protect and enhance stainless steel hardware. Roller tracks must be kept free of dirt and grime to ensure the continued smooth operation of sliding or bi-fold windows and doors.
Surface Finishing
WARRANTIES
The powder coat finish is supplied by market leaders Dulux Powder Coatings and Interpon. We offer comprehensive warranties on the finish of your goods for your peace of mind. Depending on your colour choice, you will benefit from warranty cover ranging from a minimum of 10 years. Please reach out to obtain details of the warranty terms and conditions for the powder coat finish you have selected. Anodising warranties vary based upon supplier, a minimum of AA25 anodising must be specified in coastal environments. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for details of the warranty terms and conditions for the finish you have selected.
CARE & MAINTENANCE
Like any other painted surface, powder coated aluminium performs at its best when it is properly cared for. Keeping the surface free from pollutants and environmental contaminants will give you the maximum benefit and long- lasting performance from your powder coated surface. This is particularly important in harsh locations such as beachfronts, severe marine environments or areas of high industrial pollution.
RECOMMENDED CLEANING
A gentle clean with a soft brush and mild detergent, followed by a fresh water rinse, will maintain the long-term performance of your powder coated products. In rural or normal urban environments, cleaning should occur every six (6) months. In particularly harsh locations such as beachfronts, severe marine environments or areas of high industrial pollution, cleaning should occur every three (3) months. Do not use strong solvents, abrasive cleaning products or any product recommended for thinning paints. If you need to remove splashed paint, sealants or mastics from your powder coated products, use white spirits, Carry out cleaning in shade and during cooler temperatures using a soft cloth and gentle wiping only. We recommend that prior to using any cleaning agent on your windows or doors, you test a small non-visible area of your powder coated product to ensure that no visual colour change or damage will occur. Ask your fabricator for the care and maintenance information specific to your product choice.